Sunday 9th Jan
After a short flight from Bangkok to Cambodia on Sunday, we arrived at what seemed a disused airstrip in the middle of nowhere,(Phnm Penh International) surrounded by paddie fields to be greeted by our guide', Mr Pier. We all climbed in to the back of our mini bus, which was going to become very familiar for the next two weeks. Inside, we found the single lone cyclist that we had all wondered and tried to work out who this mysterious man could be - Andrew Lindsey. Andrew smiled and welcomed us aboard - we were all on the same short flight together, but went un-noticed as we didn't have a clue who he could be, although we were all looking at every westerner on board, wondering if that could be the Andrew Lindsey we'd be sharing our next two weeks with.
We set off from the airport to our hotel and couldn't believe the traffic, there were motor scooters taking up every inch of the road, some even coming towards us on the same side, weaving in and out, coming from all directions, with the traffic not seeming to give way at any junction. It was certainly going to be a challenge cycling through this lot! We soon had a sweep stake on who could see the most passengers and cargo on one single moped! Kate is leading so far with six, (including a bag of potatoes and a baby).
We took a short ride in to the city of Phnomn Penh to find the Caste Hotel, which we'd be staying in for the night. A group briefing was held at the hotel at 1pm and then we had a free afternoon to explore the city. After walking to the bike shop to find our brand new 'Giant' bikes we decided to split up and Kate and Chris took a tuc tuc to the Russian Market, whilst Andrew, Mike, Don and Jayne decided to take a stroll round the city to take in the Temples and local museums, to see yet more Budhas!
We all met up for our first evening meal together, which was spent along side the Mekon river in a very traditional Cambodian restaurant with live Camo dancing.
Monday 10th Jan
Up at 6:30am to watch the sunrise and breakfast on the roof terrace, before setting off on our four hr drive to Sihanoukville (south, west of Phnomn Phenh), After a short while in to the journey, Jayne decided to get the 'Revels' out and share them round - we could not believe the reaction of our driver and guide - they went crazy and kept asking for more chocolate!! We then discovered later in the day that it was only the third time in their life that they had eaten chocolate, but never as good as these.
After unpacking, we all decided to head for the beach, just a short walk across the road to find white sandy beaches and many places to eat and drink along the coast. After walking along the beach we finally found a good place for lunch. We then got mobbed by the locals offering everything from beads, to BBQ squid, leg waxing and massage. This was soon followed by many beggers with limbs missing from being victims to the horrendous land mines.
Kate and Jayne then spotted Dr Fish - only $3 including a beer. (a foot massage carried out by hungry fish) This seemed too good an offer so off they went to put their feet in a pool of inquisitive baby piranhas! nipping at their feet to clean off all their hard skin!! Soon Don and Chris had to join in the fun after hearing Kate's screams and laughter.
We then met up again at 3pm after lunch to sort out our bikes and what was called a 'gentle ride' to stretch our legs. At least we have christened them now for tomorrows big ride of 110 km.
Tune in again in a few days to hear all about how we get on with the huge distances / heat and mountain range ahead of us.
xxx
Sounds wonderful. Good luck to you all with the journey. For future reference you do not have to go that far to have your feet nibbled- they do it in the Eastgate Shopping Centre, Basildon!!!! Love to you all Kirsty xx
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